The notion of a global fashion industry is a product of the modern age

Monthly Archives: November 2017

Beg/Borrow/Steal?
Since they are such a retro trend, we are sure that you’ll be able to find a vintage polka dot piece in your mother’s or grandmother’s closet. Just scrounge their cupboard for a top/skirt/dress that even they have forgotten they owned.
The dotty world of polka dots driving you crazy? Not too surprising, since the erstwhile-childlike trend has grown up and is making its presence felt in fashionable circles all over. From Sarah Jessica Parker to Anne Hathaway, everyone who is anyone has gone the dots way.

But how do you get over that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach―the feeling that tells you that wearing polka dots may just make you look like you’re playing fancy dress? Show the stop signal to that feeling right there. The polka dots family has a lot more to offer than you give it credit for. It has grown up and it has done so with style. Let’s take a look at how you can wear these tiny little circles without feeling like you have regressed into childhood.
Wear a Dress
Polka dots dress

Now, we love our vintage, and we think nothing does this print better justice than a retro-inspired, halter neck dress. A cinched dress like the one shown here not only channels the ’50s, but also enhances the illusion of an hourglass figure. For a modern take on the same, try color blocking; wear accessories in a contrasting color. If retro is not your style, try smaller prints or even colors that are traditionally not associated with the dots pattern. A different silhouette too, can change the vibe of the dress completely.
Wear a Skirt
Polka dots skirt
Like we said before, we just can’t get over our retro. So, when we wear a polka-dotted skirt, it’s a little difficult to leave the old behind. We love this combination of a little girlish polka-dotted skirt with a tank top. The makeup and the updo adds to the look. If you want to go the more modern route, we suggest you wear a pencil skirt with tiny polka dots and team it with a shirt or a nautical striped tee.

Wear a Top
Polka dots top

Since the pattern can be an unforgiving one, we suggest that you let proportion do the talking here. Keep the prints on your top proportional to your body shape. So, if you are bigger on top, then we suggest that you wear bigger polka dots to balance a bigger bust. For a petite woman, smaller dots are much more flattering. This of course does not hold true, if contrast is what you are aiming at. If you opt for muted colors like gray and black, and wear the top with a pair of denims, you will keep the look utterly up-to-date.

With all the fancy dress code terms out there, it is easy to get intimidated when someone says “casual chic”, and you have no idea what they’re talking about. Simply put, a casual chic outfit is nothing more than combining your everyday clothes with a few fashionable elements.

The goal is to appear classy and sophisticated, and feel comfortable and confident. And with that attitude in mind, given below are outfit ideas for women and men that we hope will inspire you to dress up for different occasions.

* Use the index given below to navigate through the page in order to find outfit ideas that interest you and can complement the event.

Casual Chic Outfits for Women

As we explained before, the dress code refers to combining your everyday clothes like jeans, khaki pants, skirts, shorts, T-shirts, and tops, with chic, tailored clothing items. Now, depending on where you’re headed for the day, choose your outfit appropriately (and more importantly, something from the suggestions we have provided below.

Business Casual Chic

A lot of people are under the impression that since we’re talking about a ‘business’ dress code, the word ‘casual’ cannot be included with it. Au contraire, mon ami. Of course, there are organizations that stick to a formal dress code. However, that isn’t the case everywhere. Some companies have a ‘casual Friday’ or a more relaxed dress code for employees. So, if you have the chance to dress down for work, these outfit ideas can find its way into your wardrobe.

Ah, date night. No restrictions, no worries; but surely the night can bring a lot of pressure to impress the date and make his head explode. A casual chic attire for a romantic date is the perfect way to showcase your fashion forward attitude. The only thing to keep in mind is to verify beforehand where you’re headed on the date. That way you can decided whether a skirt or dress is in order, or perhaps you should stick to wearing denims.

A wardrobe is never complete without a pair of sexy boots that add the much need oomph to any piece of clothing. Knee length boots, ankle boots, tie up boots or uggs, boots just have what it take to give you a makeover the moment you put them on. This accessory of utmost sophistication, is eternally in vogue and which is why boots are a must have shoes for every woman. With the mention of boots, most women inevitably match them with skirts and skinny pair of jeans.

Winter Dresses

Winter, the season of surreal snow that blankets the streets with its white cloak, seems too chilly to step out. A pair of warm boots that hug your legs tight enough to keep them warm are a convincing reason why you should get dressed and step out. Winters and boots are synonymous. However, wearing them with a little effort that will make you stand out. Woolen dresses that end two inches above your knee are the perfect knits to complement your expensive pair of boots. If it’s too cold to show even a slight slit of your thigh (between the boots and the dress) then wear a pair of leggings that match your dress. Woolen tunics that hang loose over your shoulders or boldly show off your waist are a great option for cold winter days.

Summer Dresses

Floral prints and chiffon make the mid summer seem look a dream! The time for exotic vacations and sipping iced teas have to be done with unmistakable fashion. Frilly frocks and simple linen dresses that end just above your knee can be paired with crochet boots. Those flirty summer dresses need a dash of spice to get you set for painting the town red. In case you are wearing knee-high boots wearing a short denim skirt with a racer back top will give you the perfect casual look.

Formal Dresses

Formal clothing has its own set of restrictions. However, with some room of experimentation, wearing boots with formal clothing is possible. Wearing knee-length skirts and dresses are allowed in office and are very much considered a part of formal dressing. Wear a pair of complementing knee-high boots with these, tuck the shirt and put on a vest. Carry this outfit with extra panache is crucial (I am sure you know why!).

Casual Dresses

Under this segment you have a wide spectrum of dresses to pick from. Be it frilly, puffy, party dresses, wraps, sweater dresses, shifts, minis, tunics, a-lines and empire dresses any kind of dress can be paired with a pair of boots. Even long dresses can be worn with ankle length boots. A dress gets all the attention it requires when paired with the right pair of high-heeled boots.

Many women think only fuller dresses go well with the boots, however, trying wearing a tunic that fits you tightly at the thighs and pair the outfit with high boots. This is a combination that never goes wrong! Boots can be worn with absolutely any piece of clothing. If boots are anywhere above your mid shin, then wearing a dress that ends just above your knee is the key to getting all the attention to the boots and the dress.

You can’t wear white after Labor Day. But that’s what people say about clothes (which is so not the case, by the way). So, does that apply to accessories as well? It’s not that you’ll be wearing white accessories with only white dresses, right? You are allowed to pair these accessories with different colored clothes. By keeping the color and style of the outfit and the occasion in mind, you can easily choose flattering accessories and look ravishing
How to Choose White Fashion Accessories
Regardless of the current fashion trend, always remember the golden rule―moderation is the key. Pick elements that won’t overshadow the outfit, but still stand out as individual pieces.
Must-have White Fashion Accessories

Note : These items are for representation purposes only and are to be strategically included to enhance your look with the appropriate outfit. They are NOT supposed to be worn on one outfit.
Pairing Accessories with White Outfits
Woman in White Outfit and White Accessories
While choosing to wear white accessories with a white-colored dress, top, or outfit, you need to be very careful as to not overdo the whole thing. When you have a single color to work with, handle it by adding one element at a time. The white hues range from pure white to winter white (off-white or cream). In order to put together the look, a combination of stark white with winter white may come in handy.

Many people have a misguided belief that only people with fair skin can pull off ‘white on white’ look. That’s really not the case. People with darker skin too can pull this look off, if they know how to intermingle elements with one another. The best advice we can give you at this stage is to try on different white accessories to see how each of the hues work on your skin tone and outfit.

Pairing Accessories with Colored Outfits
Woman in Blue Dress and White Accessories
As you can see in this image, the accessories have been tastefully included to enhance the blue dress. Even with a darker-colored dress, the elegant pieces make the entire ensemble work decently.
There are so many tops, dresses, and outfits that can be paired with white accessories. The best thing about adding the correct “white” pieces is that both pastel and darker-colored clothing look stunning. For fall and winter seasons, you can include white layers like a sweater, cardigan, jacket, or a coat to give your outfit an overall polished appeal.

Shades of pink and blue, coral, red, purple, and black are just a few colors that look marvelous when paired with white accessories. For formal events, you can choose to accessorize with pearls and diamonds. As for semi-formal to casual occasions, rhinestones and beads make the best companion.
Accessories can either make or break your look. So, while selecting fashion accessories for your dress, don’t go overboard by adding too many items. Keep your choices as tasteful as it should be, and always give “comfort” top priority.